International

A clear majority of German MPs have voted to legalise same-sex marriage, days after Chancellor Angela Merkel dropped her opposition to a vote. The reform gives gay men and lesbians full marital rights, and allows them to adopt children. At present, same-sex couples are limited to civil unions. Mrs Merkel’s …

The Vatican treasurer, Cardinal George Pell, has vehemently denied any wrongdoing after being charged with sex offences in his native Australia. He complained that he had been subjected to “relentless character assassination” during a two-year investigation into the “false” claims. He said the Pope had granted him a leave of …

Former Ch Supt David Duckenfield faces 95 charges of manslaughter and five other senior figures will be prosecuted over the 1989 Hillsborough disaster. Mr Duckenfield was match commander at the FA Cup semi-final when 96 Liverpool fans were fatally injured in a crush. Ex-South Yorkshire Police (SYP) Ch Insp Norman …

Firms around the globe are reporting that they have been hit by a major cyber-attack. British advertising agency WPP is among dozens of firms reporting problems. Ukrainian firms, including the state power distributor and Kiev’s main airport were among the first to report issues. Some experts have suggested that it …

The US says it has identified “potential preparations” for another chemical attack in Syria, and issued a stark warning to the Syrian government. The White House said the activities were similar to those made before a suspected chemical attack in April. Dozens died in the attack which prompted President Trump …

A lorry carrying fuel has burst into flames near the Pakistani city of Ahmedpur East, killing at least 140 people, local officials say. Villagers had gathered, reportedly to collect fuel leaking from the crashed tanker, when it caught fire. Dozens are being treated in hospital. It appears the tanker blew …

More than 140 people are feared buried in a landslide in Sichuan province in south-western China, state media say. About 40 homes were destroyed in Xinmo village in Maoxian county, after the side of a mountain collapsed at about 06:00 local time (22:00 GMT Friday). Rescue teams are frantically searching …

The Grenfell Tower fire in London started in a fridge freezer, and outside cladding and insulation failed safety tests, police say. The Metropolitan Police says it will consider manslaughter, health and safety and fire safety charges. Seventy-nine people are feared dead after the blaze destroyed 151 homes in the Kensington …

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has described UK plans to ensure the rights of EU citizens in Britain after Brexit as “a good start”. However, she said there were “many, many other questions” about Brexit and there was “still a lot to do”. The UK proposal was unveiled by Prime Minister …

Exchanges of heavy weapons fire erupted in northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo on Thursday between the army and militia fighters, and several students sitting exams were wounded in an explosion at a school, residents said. The fighting in and around the city of Beni between Congo’s army and what is …